Excitement filled the hallways at Oxford High on Wednesday, a day after three of its athletic programs celebrated its finest day in the school's five-year varsity tenure by advancing to the state finals.

Oxford Principal Frank Savo Jr. sent out a note to staff that there will be a pep rally Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the gymnasium to honor the boys volleyball, baseball and softball teams, along with the successful track and field team.

The undefeated boys volleyball team (22-0) will meet Enfield on Friday at 5 p.m. at Shelton High for the Class M state title while the baseball team (17-7) will take on defending state champion Cromwell on Friday night at 7 at Palmer Field in Middletown.

On Saturday, the Wolverines softball team (21-3) will meet Terryville at 3 p.m. at DeLuca Field in Stratford for the Class S state title.

"We've always had great (school) spirit, but now maybe they can boast a little more about it and look forward to the future. They have a lot to be proud of," said Savo Jr., who attended both the softball and baseball wins Tuesday.

He wasn't able to go to the volleyball match because of the time conflict.

"I see alumni and townspeople coming out and showing support," said Savo. "It's a community thing that we are trying to promote, not just a high school thing."

Savo said he's not looking at the success only in terms of wins and losses.

"The coaches and athletes are enjoying themselves," said Savo. "That's the main thing."

"It's pretty amazing to see the development of the kids since the (high school) opened (in 2007)," said Charlie Rizzio, an assistant football coach and boys track coach. "The kids are doing things the right way all across the board. It's pretty nice to see the kids getting rewarded."

Rizzio said the alumni should feel great pride in the success, too. Dylan Banziruk, a former three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball baseball, certainly does.

Banziruk, a member of Oxford's first graduating of 2010, just completed his junior year at the University of New Haven.

"It's pretty exciting," said Banziruk. "We went through growing pains, but we were able to be an integral part of setting up the foundation for success. Everyone has been excited to get out to games and see the kids play. I hope they can go Friday and Saturday."

While Oxford Superintendent of Schools Timothy F. Connellan was at an honors induction ceremony at the middle school Tuesday night, word began to spread of the Wolverines' success. That's part of being a small, close-knit community, he said.

"These kids really support one another," Connellan said. "It's a reflection of the wonderful families we have and the environment. The parents are really involved and supportive."

While wishing Oxford residents didn't have to choose between attending different sporting events on the same night, Connellan noted, "It's a nice, unique situation and a fortunate situation we find ourselves in."

Oxford athletic director Joe Stochmal said students and faculty were trying to make plans Wednesday to attend all three games, an arduous undertaking.

"It's a very exciting time for us," said Stochmal, who will be at the volleyball match in Shelton and then travel to Palmer Field, most likely arriving late for the start of the baseball game.

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